Animals

Grizzly Bear, Vancouver Island, BC
Grizzly Bear, Vancouver Island, BC, photo by Bud Logan

The Animals that can be found here are incredible, Something new around every tree. As you hike around the island, keep your eyes sharp and your camera handy.

Vancouver Island and the BC Coast are by far the most beautiful places in the world, with mountains that seem to spring out from the sea and go straight to the sky, rivers, lakes, and waterfalls that can rival any and beaches of soft white sand that are so remote that quite often, you are the only one there. Animals abound here.

The animal life that can be found here is incredible, the land-based, those that roam the air realms, or all the fishes are in abundance. Always have your camera ready as you never know what might be around the corner.

Our coast is a dive destination with its cold and clear water that is so full of life and colour that it can take your breath away. The diversity of our land and sea animals is incredible. Our residents are friendly and always willing to lend a hand or give directions to a traveller. So come on, take a trip and visit Vancouver Island. You will not regret it.

Bud and Robert photographing a moth, they are always looking for various animals to photograph
Bud and Robert photographing a moth, Vancouver Island, BC, photo by Forrest Logan
Animals have always been of interest to me, but I enjoy observing insects most of all. We are fortunate to have so many types here on the coast – from conehead crickets to Soldier Beetles and everything in between. I could spend all day watching these little creatures go about their business!
 
Eagle sitting on the beach looking up at the sky, Vancouver Island, BC
Bald Eagle, Vancouver Island, BC, Photo By Robert Logan

The birds that inhabit or visit the region are numerous in both variety and quantity. Photographing them is a popular pastime, and getting that photo you’ve been striving for, can be quite satisfying! Birdwatching is very popular here and many tours will take you out birding.

While many bird species are found here, we also receive extraordinary surprise visits by rare birds from other parts of the world. These sensational sightings quickly mobilize birders and photographers into an avid migration of their own!  It’s quite fascinating to watch the bird watchers, it can be almost as satisfying as bird watching.

A pair of Red Breasted Merganser ducks swimming together, Ducks are common animals on our coast
A pair of Red Breasted Mergansers, Vancouver Island, BC, photo by Robert Logan

There is something very calming about walking along an estuary or mountain trail, on the lookout for birds. My family and l have always enjoyed birding and hiking – it’s good for your health and feeds your soul.

Fishing on the coast is first class. Our waters teem with both fresh &  saltwater varieties, and expert guides can offer you the fishing experience of a lifetime!

Mink, Vancouver Island, BC
Mink, Vancouver Island, BC, photo by Robert Logan

Some fascinating and very rare animals inhabit our region, including the Vancouver Island marmot, with only 200 in number. The Vancouver Island Wolverine, however,  hasn’t been sighted for a few decades… I hope there are still a few left in our island’s high country.

Many wild & varied marine animals inhabit the waters along the coast. One can see killer whales, grey whaleshumpback whales, & other extraordinary species in our waters. Naturalists, biologists, whale watchers, & beachcombers travel here from afar to enjoy the supernatural wonders of the Pacific Northwest’s stunning coastlines and oceans.

A harbor seal swimming in the waters off Sydney By The Sea on Vancouver Island, seals are common animals on the pacific northwest shores
A harbour seal swimming in the waters off Sydney By The Sea, photo by Bud Logan

Divers are amazed by our clear, luxuriant underwater wonderland, with its fascinating plant & animal life. Recognized as one of the world’s great dive destinations! The waters along our coast contain life-giving nutrients that sustain a vast array of marine life. Our seas are filled with spectacular colour & character, it is quite amazing. You can get acquainted with the ocean by visiting any beach and exploring the life within its tidal pools.

Trap Door Spider, Vancouver Island, BC
Trap Door Spider, Vancouver Island, BC, Photo By Bud Logan

Almost half the spider species known to Canada are found in Coastal BC. Spiders are ferocious creatures living within a matriarchal society. Ruled by females, males are sometimes little more than just a meal! I have always enjoyed learning about our fascinating spiders. Studies of these creatures have mostly been conducted by a few dedicated amateurs. Recently, a team from the Museum of BC has been investigating our spiders to learn more about them and their interesting habits.

Snails and slugs inhabit most parts of the coast: from alpine meadows to coniferous forests, and from river lowlands to urban parks & gardens. They are members of the animal group known as gastropods.

Oregon Brown Snail, Vancouver Island, BC
Oregon Brown Snail, Vancouver Island, BC, Photo By Bud Logan

Snails and slugs live in our oceans, freshwater lakes, rivers, and on land. These creatures have a distinct head with eyes on stalks, and a broad flat foot used for locomotion. the Pacific Northwest is home to many varieties of snails and slugs – it’s worthwhile exploring them!

To learn more about the animals in your area, look for tracks they have left behind to help identify them. Their scat can also be observed to determine the types of food they eat. So get out, take a walk on the wild side, and see what animals are found in your area. Bring along a camera – you might just get that shot you’ve been looking for!

When hiking the backcountry, remember: take only pictures, leave only footprints.

A message from Bud

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2 thoughts on “Animals”

  1. Talk to a CO. There have been Wolverine sightings more recently than a few decades. One was seen in Sayward a few years ago. Just FYI.

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